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Flamenco Guitar Legend Paco de Lucia Dies at 66

Paco de Lucia, arguably the most famous flamenco guitarist in history, passed away after suffering a heart attack on Tuesday in Mexico. He was 66 years old.

de Lucia came to prominence in the Western jazz world as a result of the seminal live recording Friday Night In San Francisco, a performance by the guitar trio of de Lucia, Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin. He continued to explore the world of jazz throughout the 80s, including a stint touring with Chick Corea.

de Lucia returned his attention to flamenco for the remainder of his life, and earned a number of awards for his contributions to the discipline, including Spain’s 2004 Prince of Asturias Prize for Art, and the same year he received a Latin Grammy for his album Cositas Buenas. de Lucia was vacationing with his family in Cancun at the time of his passing.